Nzuri, the giraffe, along with her unborn calf, died due to serious complications in labor last Thursday night.

According to a statement from Sydney Zoo, the animal care team observed signs that Nzuri was entering active labor. However, as time went on, it became clear that this birth was not progressing as it should.

A team of three veterinarians and two veterinary nurses immediately intervened and assisted with the delivery.

Upon further examination, the team discovered that the calf was positioned abnormally, with its head and neck in the wrong position, making a safe delivery “impossible”.

The calf died and Nzuri’s condition “severely deteriorated” due to the stress and difficulty of the birth.

Sydney Zoo exotics animal care manager Tim Bennett said the deaths were “incredibly heartbreaking” for everyone involved.

“Our animal care team did everything possible to try and save both the calf and the mother Nzuri,” Bennett said.

“Decisions like this are never made lightly.

“The animal’s welfare is always our primary concern.”